Steam Drum Laundry Machine for Low-Water Sterilizing Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type laundry machines face issues of high water consumption, lack of sterilization capabilities, and the need for additional ironing due to wrinkle formation during washing and drying cycles.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine equipped with a steam generator that supplies steam into the drum, utilizing a water-adjust-valve to optimize water usage and a solenoid valve for efficient steam generation, combined with a hot air supply device for drying and sterilization, to enhance washing and drying efficiency while smoothing wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a soaking cycle using a lot of wash water is performed before washing, then the laundry can be dampened properly, but wash water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid soaking to vapor form through the steam generator. The steam generator heats water to produce steam that is then supplied to the laundry, achieving dampening without requiring large volumes of liquid wash water. This parameter change from liquid to vapor phase resolves the contradiction between effective dampening and water consumption.
2Device complexity
If no auxiliary sterilization structure is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the laundry cannot be sterilized
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator serves multiple functions: it generates steam for dampening the laundry during washing, provides sterilization through the steam's high temperature, and can smooth wrinkles. By making the steam generator multi-functional, the patent adds sterilization capability without requiring separate auxiliary structures, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and sterilization effectiveness.
3Productivity
If a drying cycle is performed within the drum with wrinkles present, then drying efficiency is maintained, but additional ironing is necessary due to wrinkle generation
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator continues to supply steam during the drying cycle, providing continuous moisture and heat to the laundry. This continuous steam supply softens the fabric and smooths wrinkles as the laundry dries, eliminating the need for separate ironing. The useful action of steam generation is extended continuously through both washing and drying phases, resolving the contradiction between drying efficiency and wrinkle management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces water consumption, effectively sterilizes laundry, and minimizes wrinkle formation, resulting in improved washing and drying efficiency and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating water flown to the water inflow space to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a steam generator for supplying steam into the drum... a heater for heating water flown to the water inflow space to generate steam
Implementation Method 3
the water-adjust-valve is a solenoid valve which opens/closes a path receiving water once the power is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine includes a body for defining an exterior; a water supply valve provided in the body and connected with an outer water supply; a drum rotatably mounted within the tub; at least one steam generator to supply steam ino the drum; and a water-adjust-valve to adjust the water amount supplied to the steam generator.